Running Pipes, and More!

Are you doing enough to keep your residential drains in good working condition? Like many homeowners, you may be guilty of waiting until issues get out of control to give your drains some attention. By this time, you could be facing big problems that may require expensive fixes.

Here are some tips you can follow to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

Use Your Drains Properly

Proper drain maintenance starts with understanding the proper or recommended use of your drains. While run-of-the-mill buildups, such as cooking fats, soap, and hair, can be difficult to completely avoid, any solid waste item that does not break down in the water is a no-no for your drains. These include cooking grease, cosmetic wipes, and feminine products. Also, avoid using too much toilet paper as it can cause a buildup that causes your drains to get clogged.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you encounter blockages with your drains, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which eventually end up in your sewer line. If you have older metal sewer pipes, the chemicals can cause them to corrode. If you have newer PVC pipes, the chemicals can cause them to degrade quickly. To protect your drains and sewer line, use a plunger or plumber's snake when confronted with blocked drains or call a plumber for help. 

Conduct Regular Drain Cleanings

Your residential drains see a lot of action every day, and no matter how careful you are about what goes down the drains, a little buildup is inevitable over time.

Clean your drains regularly to tackle any buildup that may result in blockages. The best way to guarantee effective drain cleaning results is to enlist the help of a professional as they have the experience, expertise, and advanced cleaning techniques and equipment required for the job.

Don't forget your sewer line when getting your residential drains cleaned. 

Schedule Regular Drain Camera Inspections

As part of preventative drain maintenance, you should get professional drain camera inspections from time to time, even if your drains seem to work correctly. These camera-aided visual inspections of your drain pipes will help you identify any hidden issues you may have with the drains before they lead to big problems.

As a result, you can prevent serious damage to your drains and property, as well as save money on plumbing and building repair costs.

Properly functioning drains affect the overall health of your residential plumbing system, so it's essential to take good care of your drains. Contact a residential plumber for help with all your drain maintenance needs. For more information, contact a company like Spartan Plumbing and Services.